Viewer Tip: Studies of wildfires suggest wind-borne embers reaching a roof or other flammable material on your house are the biggest threat. Removing leaf litter and debris from gutters and underneath decks and other overhangs is important, as is using non-flammable roofing, deck and other materials when possible.  You can also clear your property of fallen limbs and prune lower tree branches to help reduce the fuel load for a wildfire nearby.  Clearing from 30 to 100 feet around your house is recommended.  Avoid highly flammable vegetation near your house, such as Ashe juniper, agarita and conifers.  Climbing vines on walls can start a house fire, as can attached fences or porches made of flammable material.  Avoid mowing dried grass and remove dry vegetation, rocks and other debris that might produce sparks in a parched lawn before mowing.

This information is provided by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower center. Learn more at csfs.colostate.edu/pdfs/wholenotebook.pdf, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Website at www.wildflower.org.

Viewer Tip: September is National Preparedness Month. Are you prepared? Make sure you have the supplies and information you need to stay safe if a natural disaster or other emergency occurs in your area.

• Get a Kit. Keep an emergency supply kit at home that will cover the basics of survival: food, fresh water, clean air and warmth. Find a list of suggested emergency supply kit items at www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html.
• Have a Plan. All family members should know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in different emergency situations. Find out if workplaces, daycares and schools have emergency plans. Get tips for making an emergency plan at www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html.
• Consider Your Needs. Remember that additional planning may be required for older individuals, family members who are disabled or require special medications or medical treatments, and pets.
  • Tips for older individuals: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/seniors.html
  • Tips for people with disabilities or special needs: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/disabled.html
  • Tips for pet owners: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html
• Know Your Stuff. Find out what kinds of natural and man-made disasters may occur in your area. Know how you will be notified of an emergency in your community (TV or radio broadcasts, sirens, telephone calls, etc.), and learn about emergency plans established by your state or local government. Links for community and state preparedness information can be found at www.ready.gov/america/local/index.html.

(Sources: NOAA NCDC. “Billion Dollar U.S. Weather/Climate Disasters.” http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/reports/billionz.html#chron’ National Preparedness Month 2011. http://community.fema.gov/connect.ti/READYNPM)

Viewer Tip: With rain in the forecast, keep your eyes peeled for signs of flooding.  Never drive through flooded roadways or bridges and do not attempt to cross flood waters on foot.  Stay away from arroyos, river and stream beds, and low-lying areas that may flood easily

(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service, www.nws.noaa.gov; NOAA/USGS Demonstration Flash-Flood and Debris-Flow Early Warning System, http://landslides.usgs.gov/advisories/warningsys/)

Viewer Tip: The best way to enjoy fireworks safely is to visit a public display that is organized by professionals. If you are thinking about using fireworks, keep these tips in mind to prevent fires and have a safe holiday:

• Check the laws. Laws about fireworks use vary from state to state. Before using any fireworks, check with city or county officials to find out if there are use restrictions and bans.
• Light up safely. Keep fireworks out of the hands of young children. Never light fireworks near your home, dry leaves or grass, or other flammable materials.
• Douse it out. Always keep a bucket of water around to douse the fireworks when you are done. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, too.

Did you know? A sparkler burns at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. For comparison, water boils at 212 degrees, wood burns at 575 degrees and glass melts at 900 degrees!

(Sources: Hall Jr., John R. “Fireworks.” National Fire Protection Association, Fire Analysis and Research Division, June 2011; Firesafety.gov, “Fireworks and Summer Fire Safety.” http://www.firesafety.gov/citizens/firesafety/fireworks.shtm)

Viewer Tip: This is a good time of year to survey your property and reduce the amount of flammable material around your home.  An easy way to do this is to think of your property in zones:

• Zone 1 is closest to your home and extends for at least 30 feet. This zone should be well-irrigated and planted with native plants that are well-suited to the local climate.
• Zone 2 extends at least 20 feet from Zone 1. This area should also be well-irrigated and can include low-growing plants, shrubs and carefully-placed trees. Place trees at least 10 feet apart and trim away dead branches.
• Zone 3 is the furthest from your home and extends at least 50 feet from Zone 2. Think of this as a “slightly modified natural area.” Thin out dense areas of trees and remove dead or dying trees and shrubs.

Season: Spring

(Sources: National Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Protection Program. “Fire Hazard Assessment in the Wildland/Urban Interface.” http://www.firewise.org/resources/nfpa/index.html; Firewise. “Is Your Home Protected from Wildfire Disaster?” http://www.firewise.org/resources/homeowner.htm)

Viewer Tip: This is a good time of year to survey your property and reduce the amount of flammable material around your home.  An easy way to do this is to think of your property in zones:

• Zone 1 is closest to your home and extends for at least 30 feet. This zone should be well-irrigated and planted with native plants that are well-suited to the local climate.
• Zone 2 extends at least 20 feet from Zone 1. This area should also be well-irrigated and can include low-growing plants, shrubs and carefully-placed trees. Place trees at least 10 feet apart and trim away dead branches.
• Zone 3 is the furthest from your home and extends at least 50 feet from Zone 2. Think of this as a “slightly modified natural area.” Thin out dense areas of trees and remove dead or dying trees and shrubs.

Season: Spring

(Sources: National Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Protection Program. “Fire Hazard Assessment in the Wildland/Urban Interface.” http://www.firewise.org/resources/nfpa/index.html; Firewise. “Is Your Home Protected from Wildfire Disaster?” http://www.firewise.org/resources/homeowner.htm)

Viewer Tip: This is a good time of year to survey your property and reduce the amount of flammable material around your home.  An easy way to do this is to think of your property in zones:

• Zone 1 is closest to your home and extends for at least 30 feet. This zone should be well-irrigated and planted with native plants that are well-suited to the local climate.
• Zone 2 extends at least 20 feet from Zone 1. This area should also be well-irrigated and can include low-growing plants, shrubs and carefully-placed trees. Place trees at least 10 feet apart and trim away dead branches.
• Zone 3 is the furthest from your home and extends at least 50 feet from Zone 2. Think of this as a “slightly modified natural area.” Thin out dense areas of trees and remove dead or dying trees and shrubs.

Season: Spring

(Sources: National Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Protection Program. “Fire Hazard Assessment in the Wildland/Urban Interface.” http://www.firewise.org/resources/nfpa/index.html; Firewise. “Is Your Home Protected from Wildfire Disaster?” http://www.firewise.org/resources/homeowner.htm)

Viewer Tip: Are you prepared? Make sure you have the supplies and information you need to stay safe if a natural disaster or other emergency occurs in your area.

• Get a Kit. Keep an emergency supply kit at home that will cover the basics of survival: food, fresh water, clean air and warmth. Find a list of suggested emergency supply kit items at www.ready.gov/america/npm10/getakit.html.
• Have a Plan. All family members should know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in different emergency situations. Find out if workplaces, daycares and schools have emergency plans. Get tips for making an emergency plan at www.ready.gov/america/npm10/makeaplan.html.
• Consider Your Needs. Remember that additional planning may be required for older Americans, family members who are disabled or require special medications or medical treatments, and pets.
  • Tips for older Americans: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/seniors.html
  • Tips for people with disabilities or special needs: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/disabled.html
  • Tips for pet owners: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html
• Know Your Stuff. Find out what kinds of natural and man-made disasters may occur in your area. Know how you will be notified of an emergency in your community, TV or radio broadcasts, sirens, telephone calls, etc., and learn about emergency plans established by your state or local government. Links for community and state preparedness information can be found at www.ready.gov/america/local/index.html.

Season: Fall

(Sources: FEMA. August 2009. “Personal Preparedness in America: Findings from the 2009 Citizen Corps National Survey.” http://www.citizencorps.gov/pdf/2009_Citizen%20Corps_National%20Survey_Findings.pdf;  National Preparedness Month 2010. http://www.ready.gov/america/npm10/index.html)

Viewer Tip: Anyone can join the SKYWARN program. To become a storm spotter, you must attend a free training class at any of the 122 National Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices around the country. You’ll learn to identify and describe severe weather and you’ll also learn about basic weather safety. To get more information about SKYWARN and find out when classes are available in your area, visit www.nws.noaa.gov/skywarn or contact your local National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist at www.stormready.noaa.gov/contact.htm.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service. SKYWARN. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/skywarn/)

Viewer Tip: More than four out of every five wildfires is caused by humans. Trout Unlimited suggests using these safety tips to prevent wildfires.

• Trim away tree limbs that are less than 15 feet above the ground.
• Prune shrubbery and tree branches that are within 15 feet of stove pipes and chimneys.
• Gather up dead leaves and branches on a regular basis.
• Store firewood at least 100 feet away from the house. If living on a hill, stow the firewood on the uphill slope.

This information is provided by Trout Unlimited. Learn more at www.tu.org.

Viewer Tip: You can protect your home from wildfire by reducing the amount of flammable material between your home and a natural area. An easy way to do this is to think of your property in zones:

• Zone 1 is closest to your home and extends at least 30 feet out. This zone should be well-irrigated and planted with native plants that are well-adjusted to your climate.
• Zone 2 extends at least 20 feet from Zone 1. This zone should also be well-irrigated and can include low-growing plants and shrubs, and carefully-placed trees. Reduce risk of fire by placing trees at least ten feet apart and trimming away dead branches and branches close to the ground.
• Zone 3 is the furthest from your home and extends at least 50 feet from Zone 2. Think of this as a “slightly modified natural area.” Thin out dense areas of trees and remove dead or dying trees and shrubs.

Learn more about each zone and find additional tips for protecting your home property in “Is Your Home Protected from Wildfire Disaster?” available from the Firewise Program: www.firewise.org/resources/homeowner.htm.

Season: Winter, Spring

(Source: National Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Protection Program. “Fire Hazard Assessment in the Wildland/Urban Interface.” http://www.firewise.org/resources/nfpa/index.html; Firewise. “Is Your Home Protected from Wildfire Disaster?” http://www.firewise.org/resources/homeowner.htm)

Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set aside will help ensure you and your family stay safe should severe weather occur in your community. Some of the items that should be included in an emergency kit are:

• First-aid kit
• Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
• A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
• Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
• Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
• Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
• Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
• Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist and other Severe Weather Awareness resources at http://www.mcready.org/info.html and http://www.srh.weather.gov/oun/?n=swaw.

Season: Winter

(Source: Norman, OK National Weather Service Forecast Office.  “Oklahoma Severe Weather Awareness.” http://www.srh.weather.gov/oun/?n=swaw)

Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set aside will help ensure you and your family stay safe should severe weather occur in your community. Some of the items that should be included in an emergency kit are:

• First-aid kit
• Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
• A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
• Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
• Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
• Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
• Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
• Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist and other Severe Weather Awareness resources at http://gohsep.la.gov/.

Season: Winter

(Source: Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness. “Emergency Kit.” http://www.getagameplan.org/planFamily.htm)

Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set aside will help ensure you and your family stay safe should severe weather occur in your community. Some of the items that should be included in an emergency kit are:

• First-aid kit
• Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
• A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
• Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
• Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
• Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
• Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
• Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist from the American Red Cross at: http://6l3zyr.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html.

Season: Winter

(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service, Office of Climate, Water and Weather Services. “Severe Weather Events Calendar.” http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/severeweather/severewxcal.shtml; American Red Cross. “Disaster Supplies Kit.” http://6l3zyr.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html)

Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set aside will help ensure you and your family stay safe should severe weather occur in your community. Some of the items that should be included in an emergency kit are:

• First-aid kit
• Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
• A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
• Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
• Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
• Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
• Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
• Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist from the American Red Cross at: http://6l3zyr.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html.

Season: Winter

(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service, Office of Climate, Water and Weather Services. “Severe Weather Events Calendar.” http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/severeweather/severewxcal.shtml; American Red Cross. “Disaster Supplies Kit.” http://6l3zyr.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html

Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set aside will help ensure you and your family stay safe should severe weather occur in your community. Some of the items that should be included in an emergency kit are:

• First-aid kit
• Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
• A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
• Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
• Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
• Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
• Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
• Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist from the American Red Cross at: http://6l3zyr.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html.

Season: Winter

(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service, Office of Climate, Water and Weather Services. “Severe Weather Events Calendar.” http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/severeweather/severewxcal.shtml; American Red Cross. “Disaster Supplies Kit.” http://6l3zyr.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html)

Viewer Tip: Consider building or updating your family emergency preparedness kit this week.  Having supplies set aside will help ensure you and your family stay safe should severe weather occur in your community. Some of the items that should be included in an emergency kit are:

• First-aid kit
• Extra prescription medications, glasses, hearing aids and other important medical supplies
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
• A 3-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of bottled water per person per day
• Coolers for food/ice, paper plates, plastic utensils, a can opener and a knife
• Tools such as a fire extinguisher, duct tape and rope
• Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothing
• Toiletries and personal hygiene supplies
• Don’t forget to plan for pets! They will need food, water and medication, too.

Find a family emergency kit checklist and other Severe Weather Awareness resources at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/weather_aware_severe.htm.

Season: Winter

(Source: Texas Department of Public Safety. “Severe Weather Awareness.” http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/weather_aware_severe.htm)

Viewer Tip: Over half of Wisconsin is currently experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. The best way to enjoy fireworks safely is to leave it to the pros – visit a public display that is organized by trained professionals. If you are thinking about using fireworks, keep these tips in mind to prevent fires and have a safe Independence Day holiday:

• Check the laws. Laws about fireworks use vary from state to state. Before using any fireworks, check with local authorities about use restrictions and bans.
• Light up safely. Keep fireworks out of the hands of young children.  Never light fireworks near your home, dry leaves or grass, or other flammable materials.
• Douse it out.  Always keep a bucket of water around to douse the fireworks when you are done. 

Fireworks fact: Sparklers burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit!  For comparison, glass melts at 900 degrees, wood burns at 575 degrees and a cake bakes at 350 degrees.

Season: Summer

(Sources: Hall Jr., John R. National Fire Protection Association, Fire Analysis and Research Division. “Fireworks.” June 2009. Available from: http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/pdf/os.fireworks.pdf and http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//PDF/Public%20Education/FireworksSafetyTips.pdf;  Consumer Product Safety Commission. 2008. “Fireworks;” U.S. Fire Administration and National Fire Data Center. June 2005. “The Dangers of Fireworks.”)

Viewer Tip: Nearly all of Hawaii is currently experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. The best way to enjoy fireworks safely is to leave it to the pros – visit a public display that is organized by trained professionals. If you are thinking about using fireworks, keep these tips in mind to prevent fires and have a safe Independence Day holiday:

• Check the laws. Laws about fireworks use vary from state to state. Before using any fireworks, check with local authorities about use restrictions and bans.
• Light up safely. Keep fireworks out of the hands of young children.  Never light fireworks near your home, dry leaves or grass, or other flammable materials.
• Douse it out.  Always keep a bucket of water around to douse the fireworks when you are done. 

Fireworks fact: Sparklers burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit!  For comparison, glass melts at 900 degrees, wood burns at 575 degrees and a cake bakes at 350 degrees.

Season: Summer

(Sources: Hall Jr., John R. National Fire Protection Association, Fire Analysis and Research Division.”Fireworks.” June 2009. Available from: http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/pdf/os.fireworks.pdf and http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//PDF/Public%20Education/FireworksSafetyTips.pdf;  Consumer Product Safety Commission. 2008. “Fireworks;” U.S. Fire Administration and National Fire Data Center. June 2005. “The Dangers of Fireworks.”)

Viewer Tip: About 43 percent of Minnesota is currently experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. The best way to enjoy fireworks safely is to leave it to the pros – visit a public display that is organized by trained professionals. If you are thinking about using fireworks, keep these tips in mind to prevent fires and have a safe Independence Day holiday:

• Check the laws. Laws about fireworks use vary from state to state. Before using any fireworks, check with local authorities about use restrictions and bans.
• Light up safely. Keep fireworks out of the hands of young children. Never light fireworks near your home, dry leaves or grass, or other flammable materials.
• Douse it out. Always keep a bucket of water around to douse the fireworks when you are done.

Fireworks fact: Sparklers burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit! For comparison, glass melts at 900 degrees, wood burns at 575 degrees and a cake bakes at 350 degrees.

Season: Summer

(Sources: Hall Jr., John R. National Fire Protection Association, Fire Analysis and Research Division.”Fireworks.” June 2009. Available from: http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/pdf/os.fireworks.pdf and http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//PDF/Public%20Education/FireworksSafetyTips.pdf; Consumer Product Safety Commission. 2008. “Fireworks;” U.S. Fire Administration and National Fire Data Center. June 2005. “The Dangers of Fireworks.”)